Furious residents object to Sheffield pub being knocked down for housing

Developers have submitted plans to turn the Wharncliffe Hotel pub on Bevercotes Road in Firth Park into multi-occupancy accommodation.

If the scheme gets the go-ahead, the derelict pub will be converted into accommodation aimed at nurses working at Northern General Hospital.

The block will include 30 bed spaces over four floors with communal kitchens and bathrooms.

But the plans have sparked fury from Firth Park residents who claim residents have not been properly notified.

Others say the scheme will have no benefit for the area.

Many have voiced concerns about the increasing difficulties to park cars and fear the development could further increase problems.

But Paul Rothwell, director of Empire Property Concepts, said the build would improve the area.

He said: “We are letting to nurses mainly from Northern General Hospital, there will not be a high concentration of social tenants.

“Most of our tenants don’t require parking and given the close proximity to the bus routes and main shopping area and the hospital this will not be an issue.

“We are looking to provide much needed accommodation to workers in the area which is good quality and we will be improving what is a rundown and disused building.

“We’re not in the business to provide poor quality housing for people. We want to work with residents and the council to make this development a success.

Mr Rothwell said the company is considering plans for a car park.

But Steven Simmons, of Firth Park Crescent, Firth Park, said: “I think this plan is very rushed, we only found out about it through gossip at the school gates.

“Why has nobody informed us as it seems a big project to impact on the local area, the plans show very small rooms with limited facilities that can only lead to more social problems.

“Squeezing 30 dwellings into four floors can only mean a lot of profit for someone who doesn’t care about the local community.”

Ross Wootton, also of Firth Park Crescent, Firth Park said: “Why on earth are we even considering using this building for something that would add to an already busy and overcrowded area? This is beyond a joke.”

June Oliver, of Bevercotes Road, Firth Park said: “Parking will be an issue with people already parking illegally on the pavements and double yellow lines.”

n To view the plans visit http://tinyurl.com/zyr5ka